When it comes to correcting astigmatism, particularly in complex or high prescriptions, experience is crucial. At Kelly Vision, Dr. James Kelly and Dr. Ashley Brissette offer exceptional expertise in implantable lens surgery. As the leading EVO ICL™ surgeons in New York, they were the first to implant the EVO lens in NYC and have performed more EVO ICL procedures than any other provider in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. With a track record that includes over 80,000 LASIK and cataract surgeries, as well as leadership roles in refractive surgery education and national surgical instruction, our team is renowned for delivering safe, precise, and life-changing outcomes—especially for patients with astigmatism who believed they had limited options.
What Is Astigmatism and Why Is It Complex to Correct?
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an uneven curvature, causing light to bend inconsistently and preventing it from focusing clearly on the retina. It’s also incredibly common; research from the National Eye Institute shows that about one in three people lives with some degree of astigmatism.
Many mild cases can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or certain laser procedures. However, traditional laser surgery may not be ideal when astigmatism is paired with:
- Higher or complex prescriptions
- Significant nearsightedness in addition to astigmatism
- Thin or irregular corneas
- Chronic dry eye
In these situations, the EVO ICL, a next-generation implantable lens, offers a safer and more precise alternative.
How the EVO ICL Corrects Astigmatism
The EVO ICL is a soft, biocompatible Collamer® lens designed to be placed gently behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. It works by adding a precisely shaped optical surface inside the eye, correcting both nearsightedness and astigmatism without removing tissue or reshaping the cornea.
Kelly Vision loves the EVO ICL because its scientific advantages include:
- Biocompatibility: The Collamer material integrates safely with the eye’s internal environment and provides UV protection (Review Article Update on Treating High Myopia With Implantable Collamer Lenses).
- Preservation of corneal structure: Because no corneal tissue is removed, EVO ICL is ideal for thin or irregular corneas.
- Precision correction: The toric version of the lens provides customized correction that aligns with your astigmatism axis for sharply defined vision. Unlike LASIK or PRK, the procedure is also reversible, giving patients long-term flexibility.
Additionally, EVO ICL implantation is one of the most studied refractive lens procedures worldwide:
- Over one million lenses implanted globally
- A patient satisfaction rate above 98% in clinical trials
- A strong safety profile with low complication rates, reaffirmed across multiple peer-reviewed studies
The procedure is FDA-approved and widely recognized as a safe option for complex refractive errors and irregular corneal profiles.
Who Is a Good Candidate for EVO ICL for Astigmatism?
EVO ICL is often an excellent option if you:
- Are 21 to 45 years old
- Have moderate to severe nearsightedness
- Have astigmatism, with or without myopia
- Have dry eyes or thin/irregular corneas, which may limit laser options
- Prefer a reversible procedure that keeps the cornea structurally intact
To protect your long-term eye health, candidacy at Kelly Vision is never rushed or generalized. Your evaluation includes detailed corneal mapping, biometric measurements, and advanced diagnostics to confirm that EVO ICL is not only effective for your prescription — but safe for your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term vision needs.
The Safe, Precise Solution for Complex Prescriptions Is at Kelly Vision
Astigmatism, especially in higher or irregular forms, doesn’t have to limit your vision correction options. EVO ICL offers a safe, reversible, and highly precise way to achieve crisp, high-definition vision without altering your cornea. And at Kelly Vision, you’re cared for by two of the most experienced EVO ICL surgeons in the region, trusted by patients, physicians, public figures, and professional athletes alike.
If you’re ready to explore whether ICL for astigmatism is the right fit for your eyes, we invite you to experience the boutique, one-on-one care that defines Kelly Vision. Contact us today.
